Chadwick Boseman Is James Brown in New GET ON UP Trailer [Updated with Poster]

Universal Pictures has released a new Get on Up trailer for director Tate Taylor’s (The Help) James Brown biopic. 42 star Chadwick Boseman tackles the role of the Godfather of Soul as the film tells the story of how Brown went from an impoverished child to one of the most popular recording artists of all time. The film still doesn’t look like it brings anything new to the cradle-to-grave biopic genre, and I can’t help but think of Walk Hard when seeing all the familiar tropes on display. That said, Taylor has assembled a rather talented group of actors to bring Brown’s story to life and Boseman feels comfortable in the lead, so hopefully there’s more to the finished film.

Hit the jump to watch the new Get on Up trailer. The film also stars Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Nelsan Ellis, Lennie James, TikaSumpter, Jill Scott, and Dan Aykroyd. Get on Upopens August 1st. [Update: Universal has released the first poster, which is included after the jump as well.]

In his follow-up to the four-time Academy Award®-nominated blockbuster The Help, Tate Taylor directs 42’s Chadwick Boseman as James Brown in Get on Up. Based on the incredible life story of the Godfather of Soul, the film will give a fearless look inside the music, moves and moods of Brown, taking audiences on the journey from his impoverished childhood to his evolution into one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Boseman is joined in the drama by Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Nelsan Ellis, Lennie James, Tika Sumpter, Jill Scott and Dan Aykroyd.